The legacy of Christianity and the Bible are truly unique among religions and worldviews. Wherever the Gospel has gone not only have lives been changed for the good but so have whole societies. Without the transforming power of Christ our world today would be very different in so many ways.
In a previous devotion we discussed how other religions, organizations, secular counselors, and self-help books may make superficial changes to an individual but only Christ can make permanent and long lasting changes – and these changes are always for the good. The amazing transformation stories of those who have come to Christ are powerful testimony to the transformational nature of the Bible. Other religions and worldviews can reform the individual but only Christianity can transform the heart and therefore the person. And with transformed people comes the ability to see transformed societies. In the remainder of this devotion, I would like to share just some of the areas that Christianity has left it unique imprint.
People touched with the message of the Bible and Christ have been inspired to:
Start hospitals and orphanages
In the ancient world the concept of a benevolent God who loved humanity and encouraged individuals to commit to acts of charity was totally foreign. It was the early Christians who decided that caring for the sick and orphans was their duty and as a result they help build hospitals and orphanages for the less fortunate in society. It was also the Bible that helped to lessen and even eradicate many plagues by it discussion of contagion with isolation discussed in the book of Leviticus.
Work tirelessly to help the poor
Again, in biblical times the concept of humanitarian aid to the poor was rarely practiced. If you were poor that was your lot in life, but all that changed with the advent of Christianity. Early Christians took up collections for the poor, fed the hungry, and even viewed the poor with dignity and utmost value; something unheard of during biblical times.
Elevate the stature of women in society
Back in biblical times women were definitely second class citizens. In fact, their testimony in the court of law was not admissible. Christianity said that there is neither male or female but we are all one and equal in Christ. As a result, down through the centuries Christians have fought for women’s rights, equality with men, the right to vote, and a host of other measures to elevate women to the unique status that they deserve.
Abolish slavery
From the dawn of man right up to today slavery has been one of humanities greatest sins. In fact, in the time of Christ, during the Roman empire, estimates are that from 25% to 33% of people were slaves. Christians opposed this evil practice and have always been in the vanguard of fighting for its elimination. It was a Christian, William Wilberforce, a British politician, who was chiefly responsible for working tirelessly to abolish the slave trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Advance science
The amazing scientific discoveries that have come to us during the last 500 years are mainly the product of men who were Bible believing Christians. These great scientists all had a common belief that God was the Creator of the universe and gave them the privilege to explore our world and help unlock many of the mysteries of life. Men such as Newton, Boyle, Faraday, Kelvin, Pasteur, and many others Bible believing scientists have helped make our world a far better place to live because of their achievements.
Establish many of our greatest universities
Early Christians in America wanted to start universities to train men to become ministers of the Gospel, missionaries, and learn the Bible. Three of our greatest universities, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton were specifically formed for this very purpose.
The Bible and Christianity have had a profound impact on our world for good. No other worldview or religion comes close to the transformational power of the Gospel. In America today the Bible has largely been marginalized. Political correctness, cancel culture, and a host of anti-biblical political decisions and laws may just be the beginning of the end of our society as we know it – only time will tell.
It’s no coincidence that these advances resulting in hospitals and orphanages, the poor, women’s rights, abolition of slavery, scientific discovery and universities can be attributed to least two movements in the history of the church. These achievements and many others grew from the seeds of Calvinism planted at the Reformation along with an eschatology of victory whose foundation was the covenant mandate to have dominion over the earth and subdue it. The original universities were training grounds for ministers in Calvinistic doctrine. The Puritans were adherents to an eschatology that led to unprecedented progress in a Christ for all of life worldview. Even our form of government was based on these doctrines as evidenced in the first amendment to the Constitution, a document that was signed, “In the year of our Lord.”
It took a comprehensive world and life view, like that found in Calvinism, to motivate men and women to build , invent, legislate, give, abolish and teach. May the Lord restore, reform and reconstruct the greatness of His church to the doctrines and the victory it was called to.
If you need a beginners guide help get started, I suggest Lectures in Calvinism by Kuyper, a transcription of lectures given at Princeton.